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Top 7 iPhone File Managers to Organize iPhone/iPad Files

Selena Lee

Jul 12, 2024 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

Managing files on an iPhone or iPad can be a headache without the right tools. In this guide, we'll cover how to manage files for iPhone and iPad, syncing with Mac/PC, working with iCloud Drive, organizing your Documents folder, accessing third-party cloud storage, and other tips for taking control of your iPhone and iPad files.

person using mobile device

Whether you need to free up space, access files from your computer, collaborate on documents, or simply organize your photos and videos, having a good file manager for iPhone and iPad is essential.

Part 1: Manage iPhone Files Using Documents by Readdle – Most Feature-Rich File Manager

Documents by Readdle has a clean native UI and various built-in tools like a PDF viewer, audio player, video player, and browser.

photo representations of user experience and interface design

File Management

Documents by Readdle offers basic file management capabilities to browse local, cloud, and remote files in one place. You can view files by category like documents, audio, images and create and manage folders. It also allows you to sort, search, and filter files.

Editing Tools

The app provides editing tools to annotate PDFs, edit document text and images, and fill out and sign PDF forms.

Media Players

Documents by Readdle has built-in media players to play audio and video files within the app. You can adjust playback speed as needed.

Web Browser & Links

The file manager includes a built-in browser with ad blocking. You can open web links directly inside the Documents app.

Sync & Share

You can sync folders between devices and share files through email, AirDrop etc.

Remote Access

Documents supports WebDAV to provide remote access to files. It also offers a built-in VPN for secure browsing.

Pricing

Documents by Readdle is available in a free version with limited tools and a premium version with full features for $9.99/month.

Pros

Cons

  • Robust file management and editing tools
  • Built-in media players and browser
  • VPN for secure browsing
  • Sync folders across devices
  • Expensive monthly subscription
  • Certain advanced features locked in paid version
  • Large app size can take up storage space

Part 2: Manage iPhone Files Using Microsoft OneDrive - Best for Windows Users

OneDrive deeply integrates with Microsoft 365 apps and provides strong privacy protections.

person using phone and computer

Tight Integration

OneDrive enables you to directly edit Office documents like Word, Excel, PowerPoint. You can also save photos from the Photos app and access private documents through Personal Vault.

Privacy

It offers restricted access sharing and expiring shared links for security. You can use fingerprint or face ID to open OneDrive apps.

Search & Organization

ou can search text across documents and organize files into folders and albums. Offline access allows you to view files without an internet connection.

Photos Management

OneDrive can automatically upload camera photos and lets you view, share and edit stored pictures.

Pricing

OneDrive offers 5GB free storage. Paid plans provide 100GB for $1.99/month or 1TB for $6.99/month.

Pros

Cons

  • Deep integration with Microsoft apps
  • Strong privacy controls
  • Photo management capabilities
  • Available across platforms
  • Primarily beneficial for Microsoft ecosystem users
  • Limited free storage quota
  • No offline document editing capabilities

Part 3: Manage iPhone Files Using Total Files - Affordable iOS File Manager

Total Files is an ad-free file manager for iOS with a one-time purchase option and integration with major cloud services.

vector image of documents

File Management

It allows accessing local, cloud, and iOS Files. You can sort, search, filter as well as create and manage folders. It also enables renaming, sharing, and deleting files.

Viewing Tools

Total Files includes a document and PDF viewer, media player for audio/video, and image gallery.

Editing Features

You can annotate PDFs and fill out and sign PDF forms.

Cloud Integrations

It supports Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox, Box, WebDAV and more.

Privacy

Total Files has passcode lock capability and incognito browsing mode.

Pricing

It offers a free limited version and full features for a one-time $4.99 payment.

Pros

Cons

  • One-time payment for full access
  • Support for major cloud services
  • Passcode and incognito mode for privacy
  • Limited brand recognition
  • Fewer features than premium rivals
  • No browser built into app

Part 4: Manage iPhone Files Using Owl Files - Most Network Connections

Owl Files enables connections to local networks, cloud services, and remote access protocols.

image of different icons

Remote Access

You can connect to PC via SMB, establish FTP, SFTP servers, and set up WebDAV access.

Cloud Integrations

It supports Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud as well as Amazon S3, Baidu Netdisk, Dropbox, Box, Mega and more.

File Management

Owl Files allows accessing recent, favorite and offline files. You can search, sort, filter files and create folders.

Media Features

It includes an image gallery, audio/video players, and a tool to scan documents.

Privacy

Passcode and Touch ID locking is available.

Pricing

Owl Files offers a free version along with premium plans starting at $4.99/month.

Pros

Cons

  • Extensive network and remote connections
  • Access files across devices and clouds
  • Free version available
  • Complex setup of network connections
  • Confusing interface with many options
  • Recurring subscription for premium

Part 5: Manage iPhone Files Using FileMaster - Focus on Privacy

FileMaster provides built-in camera, hidden media gallery, and passcode locking for private file management.

person holding phone with applications

Media Capture

You can directly take photos and record videos within FileMaster. This media is hidden from the Photos app.

File Management

It enables local file browsing and connections to cloud storage services.

Privacy Features

FileMaster supports passcode app locking, hidden media gallery, and incognito browsing for privacy.

Media Tools

It includes an image gallery, audio/video players and tools to markup and annotate files.

Pricing

FileMaster is available in a free version and a premium version for $2.99.

Pros

Cons

  • Hidden media capture and gallery
  • Passcode protection for privacy
  • Free version available
  • Limited brand visibility
  • Lacks advanced editing tools
  • No browser built-in

Part 6: Manage iPhone Files Using Bolt Browser and Documents - Best Browser Integration

Bolt Browser and Documents combines file management capabilities with a full-featured browser.

person using ipad

Browser Capabilities

It provides ad blocking, download manager, private browsing, and alternate search engines.

File Management

You can browse local files, connect cloud services, and import media from Photos app.

Media Features

Bolt enables Picture-in-Picture mode, adjustable playback speed, and file conversion.

Privacy

It supports passcode and Face ID locking plus hidden photo gallery.

Pricing

Bolt Browser and Documents are 100% free.

Pros

Cons

  • Full-featured browser baked in
  • Media tools like PIP and speed control
  • 100% free
  • Lesser known app developer
  • Privacy features not as robust
  • No support for opening Office docs

Part 7: Recommended Method – Manage iPhone Files Using Dr.Fone

Managing files on your iPhone can be frustrating when you rely solely on the native Files app. It lacks the advanced tools power users need to truly take control of their iPhone file system. That's where Dr.Fone Basic comes in - it's an easy yet incredibly powerful way to manage all your media, documents, and other files on an iPhone or iPad.

Dr.Fone enables seamlessly transfer photos, videos, music, documents and other media between iPhone and your computer. It can also backup your iPhone files to your computer to safeguard your data and free up space on your phone.

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Dr.Fone Basic

Backup & Restore iOS Data Turns Flexible.

  • One-click to back up the whole iOS device to your computer.
  • Preview and selectively restore files to any device with simplicity.
  • Export what you want from the backup to your computer.
  • Your device's data remains intact during the restore process.
  • Supports iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and the latest iOS version.
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

Step-By-Step Guide to Managing iPhone Files in Dr.Fone

Follow these simple steps to start managing your iPhone files like a pro with Dr.Fone:

Step 1.Download and install Dr.Fone on your Windows or Mac computer from the official website. Launch the app once installed.

Music data transfer with Dr.Fone

Step 2.Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Dr.Fone will automatically detect it. Select "Phone Manager" in the choice of tools.

connect with dr.fone

Step 3.Your iPhone data and files will load in Dr.Fone. Use the category tabs like Media, Files, Photos, Music, Videos, Contacts and more to access specific file types.

Step 4.Browse and click folders to explore your iPhone file system. Select any file for a preview or further options.

person using ipad

Step 5.To export iPhone files to your computer, select them and click "Export" to save to any location on your computer.

Step 6.To import files from computer to iPhone, click "Add" and select the files. You can also drag and drop files into Dr.Fone.

Step 7.Use the menu bar options to delete, move, copy, add folders, search, refresh your file list and more.

Step 8.Click the playback icons next to media files like photos and videos to preview them. View contacts and messages too.

Step 9.Sync your iPhone with iTunes by clicking the Sync button if you want to keep your device content synced.

Step 10.Create backups of your iPhone data and files for safekeeping and retrieval if needed.

In just minutes, Dr.Fone transforms from iPhone file explorer to full-fledged iPhone file manager. The easy transfer, preview, sync, backup and management capabilities make it far more powerful than the native Files app for organizing your photos, videos, music, documents and other data.

Conclusion

Manage your iPhone files like a pro with various file manager apps. Tap into advanced organization features, easy transfers between devices, expanded storage capacity, and robust file previews. Take control of your photos, videos, documents, and other data stored across your iPhone, iPad, cloud services, and computer for smooth file management. You can also adopt reliable tools like Dr.Fone Basic for file management.

safe Downloadsafe & secure

Selena Lee

chief Editor

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